From Mykonos we headed to Santorini via high speed ferry called Sea Jet. It took just under two hours and was a very smooth ride. We were so excited as we pulled in to the port in Santorini. As you arrive there are swarms of tourists, buses, taxi’s, and rental car booths. I would suggest coordinating a private transfer with your hotel which most will be happy to do. Because Santorini is literally all built on top of a volcanic ridge you have quite the journey to get up to where everything is. It looks like this…

And then on to the good stuff. We arrived at our little boutique hotel, Altana Traditional Houses, after walking through what felt like a cliff-side maze of white washed walls. As we turned the corner to walk in to the lobby, our jaws dropped, and stayed that way for the next five days pretty much.

We were so warmly welcomed by the staff at Altana. They gave us a little orientation of the island, the hotel, and things to do while we sipped on a delicious local wine. Continue reading →

Last week, driving to work, I turned on one of my favorite podcasts at the moment, SoulFeed. The episode was titled, How to Manifest the Career You Want. I highly suggest a listen to anyone who is often questioning their path in life (aren’t we all?). Whether your path in your career or simply who you are being for this world and the people in it.

I had an ah ha moment while listening to Shannon. His very first point talked about starting with ‘Why.’ An idea that Simon Sinek writes about in his book “Start With Why.” Why are you doing the things you are doing in life? Deep down at your core, what’s driving you?

This idea and conversation sparked some contemplation in me. And this is when the light bulb went off.

Why do I teach yoga?

Life is hectic, hard, stressful, chaotic, busy. I can go on, we all know that. Continue reading →

It’s that time of year here in New England. When the appeal of cozy-ing up by the fire because it’s winter goes away. The time of year when 50 degrees means windows down and jackets off. You literally crave the sunshine and longer days (we turn the clocks ahead in two weeks by the way!).

It’s also the time of year that many of us are flying to warmer parts of the world. To be surrounded by palm trees, white sand beaches, and a go with the flow vibe. Three years ago I had just returned from Puerto Rico, two years ago I was planning a trip to Belize, and last year I was getting ready for Jamaica. And this year? My next plane ride is six months away. That means I haven’t gotten on a plane in almost a year.

It’s funny. When you have this love for travel and you realize it really is sort of an addiction. The past couple of months I’ve felt like I’m going through withdrawals. I browse my social media feeds and feel this yearning to be anywhere but here. To be experiencing new places, meeting new people, immersing myself in a new culture.

Well when time, or money, or whatever the circumstance, prevents you from taking the next flight out of here there are a few things that can get you through this travel dry-spell.

Plan weekend trips. Even if it’s just a night or two. I guarantee there are so many places within driving distance to you that offer something new and beautiful to see.

Plan your next big trip. Whether it’s six months away or two years away. Plan it so that you can start strategically saving for it and now you have something to look forward to.

Find adventures at home! Try out new restaurants, scout out new places to go for a hike or walk, visit a new town.

Practice gratitude. Every morning for one week, as soon as you wake up, think about three things you are grateful for. You’ll be surprised at how especially blessed you are.

Make a reverse bucket list. I had read about this a long time ago. Instead of listing out all of the places you have yet to see, make a list of ALL of the incredible places you HAVE visited. Break out the photo albums!

Disconnect. Make it a point to put away the phone. Close the laptop. Spend some quality time with your loved ones. Have meaningful conversations. I dare you to do this for 24 hours.

Create an oasis at home. Whatever gives you that relaxed feeling…flowers, candles, or simply a room that is just tidied up.

Buy experiences. Not things. Research shows that people understand that making meaningful memories leads to happiness rather than just acquiring more ‘stuff’.

Practice living in the present moment. Whether through meditation, practicing yoga, or finding five minutes for yourself at home.

Get outside. Connect with nature. No matter where you are, breathing in fresh air cures almost everything.